PARASITIC NEMATODE INFECTIONS OF ANURANS FROM A DERIVED SAVANNA BIOTOPE IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

As part of a broader study to increase the information of parasite infections of anurans from the savanna biotope, an investigation of the nematode parasites of anurans in Agbede, a location in the derived savanna of Edo State, Nigeria was undertaken from August 2007 to July 2008. Anurans were collected at night using the visual acoustic encounter survey (VAES) sampling method, dissected and examined for nematode infections. A total of 329 anurans belonging to sixteen taxa, were examined, of which 235 were infected with an overall prevalence of 71.43%. Seasonal prevalences were 85.63% for wet season and 52.48% for the dry season (p<0.05). Ten nematode species, namely: Amplicaecum africanum, Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia hoeplii, Physaloptera sp., Rhabdias africanus, Rhabdias sp., Camallanus dimitrovi, an unidentified oxyurid nematode, Ophidascaris larva, and an unidentified nematode were recovered from the hosts examined. The most common nematode species was Amplicaecum africanum (31.31%), whereas the least common was an unidentified oxyurid nematode (0.30%).Physaloptera sp. is a new record for the anurans of the derived savanna.

Statistical analyses of the physiochemical properties of derived savanna, rainforest landscapes of Delta State Nigeria

The derived savanna landscape of Delta state situated within the rainforest region are always considered with apathy as they are viewed as idle, marginalized or abandoned landscapes. The study therefore focused on statistical analysis of the physiochemical properties of the derived savanna, rainforest and fallow landscapes of Delta state. The statistical analysis gave impetus for the derivation of Soil Fertility Index (SFI). The hypothesis formulated to guide the study was tested using the one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This was used to test the variation between soil physiochemical parameters of the various landscapes at 0.05 significance level. Specifically, the study found out that the physiochemical parameters of the landscapes studied are significantly correlated. Thus, implying basic similarities in soil fertility and soil constituent tendencies between the landscapes.

Study of land suitability for rubber and cashew in the derived savanna zone of Edo State, Nigeria

This study attempted to assess the soil suitability in the derived savanna zone of Edo State, Nigeria for the cultivation of some tree crops. The research specifically aimed to evaluate soil suitability for cashew and rubber supported by suitability maps for both crops. In terms of land suitability evaluation, mapping units 1 and 2, with an area coverage of 27.4 ha of the entire research area (100 ha) were found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rubber cultivation but moderately suitable (S2) for cashew. Mapping unit 3, with area coverage of 38 ha was found to be currently not suitable (N1) for rubber but marginally suitable (S3) for cashew cultivation. Mapping unit 4 representing area coverage of 34.7 ha was found to be permanently not suitable (N2) for rubber cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for cashew. Thus, technically, rubber can only be cultivated in that land at marginal level with an expected productivity of 27.4 ha (27.4 %). Cashew can be cultivated at moderate and marginal levels with an expected yield of 27.4 ha (27.4 %) and 72.6 ha (72.6 %), respectively, of the total land area. Thus, the preferred crop for the studied is cashew. It is recommended that for any significant investment in cultivation of this crop, the priority is the moderate levels with an expected productivity of 27.4 ha or 27.4 % of total land area.

Correlation, regression and cluster analyses on yield attributes and popping characteristics of popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) in derived savanna and rainforest agro-ecologies of Nigeria

<p class="042abstractstekst"><span lang="EN-US">Information on the genetic and agronomic relationship among the crop characters is important for the breeding programs. This study aimed at determining the relationship among grain yield, popping expansion and other agronomic characters in 19 popcorn lines evaluated in replicated trials at two locations. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between agronomic traits while multiple stepwise regression analyses was used to determine the contribution of other agronomic traits to grain yield. Results showed that plant and ear heights as well as cob length exhibited positive and significant association with grain yield. Popping volume showed negative and significant association (-0.45**) with grain yield while 100-grain mass had a negative and significant correlation (-0.37**) with popping volume. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that ear height, cob length, plant aspect and 100-grain mass contributed a total of 53.66 % to variation in grain yield, with ear height contributing the highest portion (22.51 %). Cluster analysis grouped popcorn lines into four different clusters, where ‘Small Pearl Shaped’ and ‘Popcorn 33-1-Y’ belonged to cluster II and IV, respectively, showing how divergent they are and possible utilization for hybrid formation. Improvement for popcorn should focus on identifying lines with acceptable level of popping volume and improved on their grain yield and yield attributes.</span></p>

Influence of N:P:K Ratios in Soils on Growth, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study was undertaken in two distinct ecological zones of Edo state of Nigeria to determine the effects of N:P:K ratios applied to the soils on the availability of N, P, K and on yield of maize. The sites used were Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) Iyanomo (Rain forest) and the Teaching and Research Farms of Ambrose Alli University, Emaudo, Ekpoma (derived savanna). Soils from both sites were analyzed for both physical and chemical properties before the commencement of the experiments. The experiments were carried out as: Pot and Field experiments. Each of the experiments had ten treatments (adjusted ratios) that were fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times, with maize as the test crop. Results from pot experiment in the screen house revealed that N:P:K ratio 4:1:1 had the highest dry matter yield for both locations, (RRIN; 7.10 g/pot and Emaudo; 6.33 g/pot) but these values were not significantly different (P < 0.05) from what were obtained from N:P:K ratio 3:1:1 and 2:1:1, respectively. The N:P:K ratio in soil had influence on the availability of N,P and K. Under field conditions, N:P:K ratio 3:1:1 had the highest grain yield for both locations (RRIN; 5.54 ton/ha and Emaudo; 5.25 ton/ha). The N:P:K ratio 3:1:1 was the best ratio with the highest yield for both locations and is therefore suggested for these soils.

Influence of N:K Ratios in Soils on Growth, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of N:K ratios applied to soils and the availability of N, K on yield of maize in two distinct ecological zones of Edo state of Nigeria. The sites used were Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) Iyanomo (Forest) and the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Emaudo, Ekpoma (Derived Savanna). The soils of the two experimental sites were analyzed for both physical and chemical properties before the commencement of the experiments. The experiments were carried out as pot experiments in the screen house and field experiments. Each of the experiments had ten treatments (adjusted ratios) that were fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Maize was used as the test crop. Results from the screen house revealed that N/K ratio 4:1 had the highest dry matter yield for both locations, (RRIN; 2.60 g/pot and Emaudo; 2.75 g/pot) but these values were not significantly different (P < 0.05) from what were obtained from N/K ratio 3:1 and 2:1, respectively. The N:K ratio in soil had influence on the availability of N and K. Under field conditions, N/K ratio 4:1 had the highest grain yield for both locations (RRIN; 3.46 ton/ha and Emaudo; 3.33 ton/ha), and the highest cob field weight (RRIN; 9.92 ton/ha and Emaudo; 9.33 ton/ha), hence its recommendation.

WOOD ANATOMICAL STUDIES REVEAL TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS, ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE AND PULP POTENTIAL IN FOUR TAXA OF Mussaenda (RUBIACEAE) GROWN IN NIGERIA

Current study was carried out to assess the taxonomic, ecological significance, and paper making potential of four taxa of Mussaenda L. (Rubiaceae) viz., M. elegans, M. erythrophylla, M. philippica var. aurorae, and M. ‘Dona Aurora’ through wood anatomical studies. Each of the taxa was collected from its natural region of provenance in two different ecological zones (Derived Savanna and Tropical Rainforest) of Nigeria. Observations from different planes of sections were made and wood maceration was carried out for fibre morphology. Absent to scanty paratracheal axial parenchyma, septate fibres, pitted vessels, storied heterocellular rays, and simple perforation plates were common features in all taxa. However, multiseriate and wider rays distinguished the exotic species from the indigenous species, and the semi-diffuse porous wood pattern was a unique feature in M. ‘Dona Aurora’. Quantitative data showed considerable variations in case of fibre lengths among the four taxa i.e. M. elegans, M. erythrophylla, M. philippica var. aurorae, and M. ‘Dona Aurora’ and was recorded 0.80 ± 0.02 µm, 0.70 ± 0.05 µm, 0.65 ± 0.03 µm and 0.64 ± 0.04 µm respectively. These observations showed that all species belong to Wood Type II of Rubiaceae and support their inclusion in the Tribe Mussaendeae and Order Ixoroideae. The influence of environmental factors was evident in the significant elongation of wood vessels of samples collected from more humid areas, but with no significant effect on their paper-making potential. More so, M. “Doña Aurora”, had general scores, would be most suitable for pulp and paper making.

WOOD ANATOMICAL STUDIES REVEAL TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS, ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE AND PULP POTENTIAL IN FOUR TAXA OF Mussaenda (RUBIACEAE) GROWN IN NIGERIA

Current study was carried out to assess the taxonomic, ecological significance, and paper making potential of four taxa of Mussaenda L. (Rubiaceae) viz., M. elegans, M. erythrophylla, M. philippica var. aurorae, and M. ‘Dona Aurora’ through wood anatomical studies. Each of the taxa was collected from its natural region of provenance in two different ecological zones (Derived Savanna and Tropical Rainforest) of Nigeria. Observations from different planes of sections were made and wood maceration was carried out for fibre morphology. Absent to scanty paratracheal axial parenchyma, septate fibres, pitted vessels, storied heterocellular rays, and simple perforation plates were common features in all taxa. However, multiseriate and wider rays distinguished the exotic species from the indigenous species, and the semi-diffuse porous wood pattern was a unique feature in M. ‘Dona Aurora’. Quantitative data showed considerable variations in case of fibre lengths among the four taxa i.e. M. elegans, M. erythrophylla, M. philippica var. aurorae, and M. ‘Dona Aurora’ and was recorded 0.80 ± 0.02 µm, 0.70 ± 0.05 µm, 0.65 ± 0.03 µm and 0.64 ± 0.04 µm respectively. These observations showed that all species belong to Wood Type II of Rubiaceae and support their inclusion in the Tribe Mussaendeae and Order Ixoroideae. The influence of environmental factors was evident in the significant elongation of wood vessels of samples collected from more humid areas, but with no significant effect on their paper-making potential. More so, M. “Doña Aurora”, had general scores, would be most suitable for pulp and paper making.